As a 37-year-old woman in finance, numbers have always been my language. Breaking barriers and solving complex problems is what I do. But this challenge is different – I’ve become a statistic, and one without a clear solution.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people globally are affected by infertility. I am one of them. Having just completed my second egg retrieval (ER) in December, I’ve found there’s a critical lack of information out there. This is my story.

The Beginning: When Time Felt Infinite

I met my husband at 31, and we married four years later. We had discussed our family plans, but I thought we had time – time for careers, travel, and enjoying life together. At 35, with friends talking about egg freezing and gentle reminders about my “age,” I decided to explore my options.

The First Journey: May 2023

My initial experience with a Chicago clinic left me feeling like a number. After navigating insurance challenges, we found a doctor who spoke my language – clear, direct, and data-driven. What I didn’t know then would become crucial learning:

• 13 eggs retrieved
• 3 embryos developed
• 1 euploid embryo remained

No one truly prepared me for the statistics that come with the ER. However, I thought this was just our back up plan. Little did I know that when I came off birth control, I would not gain my period back.

When Plans Change: The Unexpected Turn

In August 2023, I removed my IUD after being on birth control since high school. What followed wasn’t in any statistical model I knew: my period never returned. Despite countless tests, MRIs, Western medicine interventions, and Eastern approaches like seed cycling and acupuncture, we found no answers. 

We spoke to the doctor again, and with my ‘clock ticking’, he highly recommended doing another round of IVF. 

The Second Journey: December 2024

With time becoming precious, we pursued a second egg retrieval. This time was different – it wasn’t an “insurance policy” anymore, but a necessity. After 12 days of stimulation:

• 13 eggs retrieved
• 3 embryos developed
• 0 euploid embryos

The result: heartbreak beyond measure.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

For other women starting or deep in this journey, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. The Statistics Are Real: 1 in 6 women face infertility
2. Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story: Egg count doesn’t equal embryo count
3. Physical Preparation Matters:
   • Prioritize protein intake (especially for OHSS prevention)
   • Prepare for post-retrieval challenges
   • Manage medication supplies carefully
4. Emotional Support is Critical:
   • Find your zen through walking or meditation
   • Prioritize sleep
   • Accept that bloating and discomfort are temporary

Moving Forward

There are no clear-cut answers in this journey. No black and white solutions to “my problem.” But what I know now is that sharing these experiences matters. Whether you’re just starting this path or knee-deep in it, you’re not alone.

Share your story in the comments or reach out if you’re on a similar journey. Together, we can build a community of support and understanding.